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Local Revival Lifestyle

Live, Love, Celebrate Local - Tampa, Florida and beyond

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Destinations, travel & local picks, featured, trending, travel & couples, travel & gal pals · August 14, 2021

Travel Recommendations During COVID

Remember the anticipation of stepping on a plane and flying somewhere you’ve never been before? You did all the research. You know all the best places to eat, and the sites you’d like to see. Maybe you brushed up on your high school foreign language skills. Above all, you were escaping reality. Leaving your to-do list behind, and heading somewhere where to unwind and recharge. 

Then BOOM, 2020 made it’s grand entrance. The pandemic quickly forced us to stop planning exotic vacations, and instead were forced to decide if we were going to spend our weekends in the Las Kitchenas, or the Costa Del Balconia. 

It’s been over a year since our “new normal” began, and many people I know are getting anxious to see something new. Also, as a travel professional, I’ve chatted with many clients concerning their upcoming or potential travel plans. Some are ready and raring to go and excited to take advantage of the incredibly low prices right now. While others are looking to extend their travel dates out just a wee bit longer to see what transpires. 

I appreciate and respect both sides of thought, and encourage you and your family to first do your homework. Research the locations you’re looking at going to, read up on the current CDC guidelines, and based on that, assess your comfort level. 

However, if you decide you’re ready to take that step, here are three options you may want to consider.

A Caribbean Escape

Various Caribbean islands are open and are welcoming visitors right now. In particular, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and St. Lucia are all ready for guests. There are several all-inclusive resorts in these locations, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. 

  • St. Lucia
  • Chorro de Dona Juana waterfall attraction in Puerto Rico

For instance, stay at the Royalton Saint Lucia Resort and Spa and indulge by upgrading to the Diamond Club. This premium level of service features the comfort of anticipatory service, exclusive á la carte restaurants and bar areas, as well as shimmering pool and pristine beach areas for the sole use of Diamond Club™ guests. Highly-trained butlers and concierge fulfill your every request, including dinner reservations and the organizing of special occasions.

Worried about getting your COVID test before coming back to the US? Worry no more as many of the properties offer COVID rapid response on-site. 

I can hear the cool breezes calling my name – how about you? 

Weekend Getaways

Several hotels and flights have competitive pricing and packages available now due to the pandemic. If there’s some place on your bucket list, and you’re looking to get out of town for a few days, this could be a fantastic option. Always wanted to go to Napa to sip on some wine? Experience glorious hiking in Arizona? Or see the turning leaves in Maine? Covid friendly vacation spots are endless in the continental United States. 

Road Trip Anyone?!

Road trips are an excellent option if you’re looking for a change of scenery. Being a Tampa, Florida native, my family and I like to escape the heat drive to the mountains for some cooler air. Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina all offer stunning views, and plenty of nature to explore. Mountains not your thing? Pack your bathing suit and sunglasses and head to the beach. Read a book while hearing the waves crash. End your evening with stunning sunset views. Or listen to live music while feasting on seafood. There are plenty of coastal towns that are easy to get to, and within a day’s drive. 

Now is the Perfect Time to Look into Your Next Trip

If you’re looking to book a vacation, it’s the perfect time to explore your options! Currently, the rates are decreasing now that summer is about over, and schools are getting back in session. Insider tip: I highly recommend checking your passports if you’re looking to travel internationally. Many of my clients have told me they’re experiencing longer than standard processing times since people are ready to travel again. I would suggest making sure your passport doesn’t expire within 6-months of your travel date. You don’t want to miss your trip because of paperwork delays.

Finally, if you choose to get out and explore, make sure your plans are a good fit for the others you’re traveling with. We also highly recommend revisiting the current CDC guidelines before going anywhere.

Whether you’re ready to travel now, or feeling like you’d like to wait a little longer, I’m happy to help with research, ideas, suggestions, questions and/or booking arrangements. Please email me at rachel@localrevivallifestyle.com, or follow us on social media for daily inspiration.

In: Destinations, travel & local picks, featured, trending, travel & couples, travel & gal pals · Tagged: travel tips, family travel, couple travel, girls trips, travel, destinations, covid-friendly travel, covid travel

About Rachel

Rachel is a Partner and the Travel & Destination Management Director at Local Revival, Inc. A Tampa native, Rachel began her career in corporate America before deciding to branch out on her own. She’s now a travel consultant with Cruise Planners|American Express Travel, along with her involvement in Local Revival. She lives in Tampa with her husband, Frank, her children Alex, Julianna, Mila, and their dog ESPN. Have a question for Rachel? Email her directly at rachel@localrevivallifestyle.com.

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In case you didn't know, today is #givingtuesday! In case you didn't know, today is #givingtuesday! 🧡

At Local Revival, giving back and assisting those in need within our communities is an essential part of our business model. 

And as a board member for Empower Her Network (EHN), I've seen how a non-profit's support network can make a difference in people's lives. 

EHN is the only national program that ends generational cycles of violence, exploitation, and poverty of trafficking survivors by paving a path to economic freedom. 

After being on the board for over three years, I can confidently say - the program works. Why? 

✅ 100% of survivors graduate with stable housing

✅ The average annual wage at the start of the program was $18,015 BELOW the poverty line

✅ The average annual wage after they finish the program is $26,807 ABOVE the poverty line

✅ These results are often only the beginning. Many graduate as they complete a program with a promising career path

✅ 100% of donations go to programming because the NOVO Foundation covers operating expenses

This #givingtuesday, please consider donating to Empower Her Network and give the greatest gift of all: opportunity. 🧡

As a bonus, @the_changereaction has agreed to MATCH all donations up to $25,000! So when you give, your matched contribution allows us to reach our end-of-the-year goal faster - helping more survivors carve their path to fiscal independence! 🎉

Scan the QR code, or visit empowerhernetwork.org/donate for more information or to give to this impactful cause! 

xoxo, Summer
We are SO incredibly grateful for YOU this Thanksg We are SO incredibly grateful for YOU this Thanksgiving! 🦃🍁

Thank you to new friends and old, amazing new clients and previous ones - all the meaningful connections we've been fortunate to develop this year, making our already fun job that much more amazing! ✨

We hope you all have a joyous and safe Thanksgiving holiday! ❤️
Happy Monday, friends! 👏🏼 What are you dete Happy Monday, friends! 👏🏼

What are you determined to get done this week? How do you push through when you’re just not feeling motivated? 🤔

The weather cooking off in Florida a little keeps me motivated to chug along. If I feel like I’ve hit a rut, usually taking a quick walk to clear my head will do the trick 💪🏽

What about you? Comment below ⬇️ 

Here’s to a fantastic week! 👏🏼🎉
What tropical storm? Not even tropical storm Nico What tropical storm?

Not even tropical storm Nicole could keep us from helping the @sustanyfoundation with the 2022 Sustainable Business Awards and Buzz last evening 🎉

We appreciate everyone who attended, and the volunteers who helped us with all the details. 👏🏼

We also want to give a HUGE shout out to our new friends with @lynnscateringoftampa who stepped in to provide the delicious taste of Tampa to feed all the guests, and were able to provide two extra bartenders in a pinch ❤️

Thank you to all the other vendors who donated product or services for this event:

Native Plants: @butterfly_tampa 
Antique Furniture for VIP: @the.col.lec.tive 
Linens: @fancythatlinens 
Beer: @3daughtersbrewing 
Wine: @johnsonbrothersoffl 
Planning/Coordination: @localrevivalinc 

Can’t wait to see all the professional photos and footage from @pricelessstudiodesign (which I know will be SO much better than these 😊)

The @sustanyfoundation does some amazing things to educate and highlight sustainable businesses in Tampa Bay. The proceeds that were raised from this event are used to plant new trees in the area 👏🏼🌲🌴 To learn more about them or to donate or get involved, follow their social media pages or visit their website at Sustany.org. 🌿
At Local Revival, we love events of every size. Fr At Local Revival, we love events of every size. From dinner parties to large bashes, we aren't afraid to take on a client's to-do list so they can relax and fully immerse themselves during their important day. 💪🏽

One of our highlights every year is helping non-profit clients with their annual fundraising galas. ✨

In October, we had the pleasure of designing and coordinating Rock the Dock, a celebration of artists and music that rocks - all while benefitting Chapters Health Foundation's Hospice division. 💃🏻🕺🏻

Held in downtown Tampa on the Riverwalk, it's a stunning backdrop for music, dancing, and raising money to support their mission: to provide choices, education, and guidance for those affected by advancing age or illness. 💕

Colorful bright red and blue linens topped with centerpieces featuring a neon LED light of different musical instruments were the focus within the main event area. While in the pre-event function showcased custom records printed with printed lyrics and lifesized cutouts of famous musicians. 🎼🎤

It was a beautiful evening full of rock n roll while benefitting an incredible cause in Tampa Bay. 💛

Do you know a local non-profit that might need assistance with its gala planning? Tell them to contact us! 📞👏🏼

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